Introduction

Nature lovers have long recognized the need to preserve the diverse range of wildlife species and their habitats, both for ecological and aesthetic reasons. Limited resources have impeded progress on this front and have highlighted the importance of prioritizing management and protection efforts. What is required is a comprehensive analysis to determine the species that are most in need, the threats those species face, the current conservation programs in place, and the strategies that will plug the holes in those conservation efforts. And perhaps the most critical need of all is the funding to support these actions.

Over the last few years, the United States Congress has recognized the importance of the planning process and has incorporated this into wildlife conservation appropriations. Beginning in FY 2000, with the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program (WCRP) and continuing through the current funding of the State Wildlife Grants (SWG), the appropriations budget included monies designed to assist States in the development and implementation of programs that benefit wildlife and their habitat, focusing on species that are declining or vulnerable. These funds are intended to supplement, not replace, existing fish and wildlife funding sources.

In order to receive these funds and make the best use of the SWG program, Congress charged each state with developing a statewide comprehensive wildlife conservation plan by 1 October 2005. This document must include information on the animal species of greatest conservation need, their habitats, threats, strategies for monitoring, and information on participation by public and private stakeholders.

It is hoped that, through these efforts, MD DNR can launch and fund priority conservation efforts statewide, to prevent more species from becoming endangered and to maintain Maryland’s diverse natural landscape for its citizens and wildlife.